For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit—the principle is inexorable: kalon dendron (καλὸν δένδρον, good/beautiful tree) produces good fruit; sapron dendron (σαπρὸν δένδρον, rotten/corrupt tree) produces bad fruit. The adjective sapros (σαπρός) means rotten, putrid, worthless. This agricultural axiom establishes the principle: nature produces according to kind.
Jesus applies this to spiritual fruit—teachers and disciples are known by what they produce (v. 44). External appearance means nothing; fruit reveals reality. False teachers may appear impressive (whitewashed tombs, Matthew 23:27) but produce corrupt doctrine and corrupt disciples. True teachers, rooted in Christ, produce righteousness, love, and truth. The tree metaphor runs throughout Scripture (Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:7-8, John 15:1-8), always emphasizing the inseparable link between root and fruit, being and doing.
Historical Context
Palestinian agriculture was familiar with olive trees, fig trees, and grapevines—everyone understood that trees produce fruit according to their nature. Jesus used this common knowledge to teach spiritual truth. First-century Judaism emphasized external conformity to law, but Jesus exposed the heart—good trees (regenerate hearts) produce good fruit (righteous living); corrupt trees (unregenerate hearts) produce corrupt fruit (sin). This teaching would resonate in Paul's contrast between flesh and Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25) and John's emphasis that children of God don't continue in sin (1 John 3:9).
Questions for Reflection
What fruit is your life producing, and what does that reveal about the condition of your heart (the tree)?
How does Jesus' teaching about trees and fruit challenge external religiosity that focuses on appearance rather than heart transformation?
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Analysis & Commentary
For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit—the principle is inexorable: kalon dendron (καλὸν δένδρον, good/beautiful tree) produces good fruit; sapron dendron (σαπρὸν δένδρον, rotten/corrupt tree) produces bad fruit. The adjective sapros (σαπρός) means rotten, putrid, worthless. This agricultural axiom establishes the principle: nature produces according to kind.
Jesus applies this to spiritual fruit—teachers and disciples are known by what they produce (v. 44). External appearance means nothing; fruit reveals reality. False teachers may appear impressive (whitewashed tombs, Matthew 23:27) but produce corrupt doctrine and corrupt disciples. True teachers, rooted in Christ, produce righteousness, love, and truth. The tree metaphor runs throughout Scripture (Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:7-8, John 15:1-8), always emphasizing the inseparable link between root and fruit, being and doing.